What's the Weather like in Bergen in January
Temperature
January is the coldest month in Bergen with an average monthly temperature of only 2°C. The average temperature range doesn't have much variation at all, with daytime highs of 3°C and early morning lows of 0°C. The January record temperature ranges have a little more variation, from -16°C to 17°C.
Rainfall
In addition to being one of the coldest months, January is also one of the wettest months. Rainfall totals average 260mm in January throughout 22 days of precipitation. It does sometimes snow in January, but it's often not cold enough to amount to much.
Sunshine Hours
With Bergen's northern latitudes the days are only an average of 6 hours 42 minutes in January, rapidly increasing towards February. With all of the rain though, you'll hardly notice it. On average Bergen only gets one hour of sunshine every day in January. The chances of an overcast sky are a steady 75% throughout the month.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in Bergen in January is 79% and fairly constant throughout the month. The cold temperatures will keep the air feeling dry, but these humidity levels will contribute to the air feeling even colder.
Wind
The average wind speed in Bergen is 5.0 m/s throughout January and mostly out of the south. These winds will contribute to cooler apparent temperatures.
Sea Temperature
The average water temperature in the fjords around Bergen is a chilly 6°C in January.
Dress Code
Expect chilly, windy, and wet conditions if you're visiting Bergen in January. You'll definitely want to bring raingear that can withstand constant rain, and also appropriate footwear. Dress in layers that you can shed as needed and ensure that the inner layers remain dry. If you're planning on going skiing or on a Northern Lights expedition be sure to bring appropriate clothing for that as well. Norwegians tend to dress to look sharp, presenting a smart-casual style when they go out. For a better idea of expected conditions, check the Bergen 14-day forecast before leaving home. is next to the Blue Stone and the infamous fish market.
Bergen Hotels in January
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is an attractive four-star hotel next to Bryggen's historic wharf area. The Radisson Blu features 342 bright, chic rooms with minimalistic Scandinavian décor. Upgraded rooms will treat you to vaulted ceilings and gorgeous views of the wharf. All guests will be able to enjoy the Radisson's Super Breakfast Buffet, as well as having access to their modern fitness center. This hotel is also home to the 26 North Bar & Social Club, a cozy restaurant serving drinks and light meals. Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is also within walking distance to Bergenhus Fortress and the Bergen Aquarium.
Hotel Park Bergen
This highly reviewed three-star hotel is housed in an historic Victorian-style building from the 1800s, and is situated next to the beautiful Nygard Park. Hotel Park Bergen is a family-run hotel featuring 35 bright rooms decorated with classic Scandinavian touches. Studio apartments are also available for longer stays. A complimentary breakfast is served to all guests in an elegant airy dining room. You'll also be able to warm up next to the fireplace in their cozy lobby upon returning from a day out. Hotel Park Bergen is only a ten-minute walk from the Bergen train station.
Citybox Bergen
Citybox Bergen is one of Bergen's more affordable hotels, located near the Grieg concert hall and Bergen bus station. This hotel is the perfect no-frills option for guests who just need a cozy place to sleep. With that said, all rooms are extremely clean, feature comfortable beds and linens, and are decorated with a contemporary décor. Bathrooms are basic yet modern. There are no TVs in the rooms but WiFi is available for all guests, and there is a TV in the hotel lobby & café. Citybox is within walking distance to numerous bars and restaurants.
Magic Hotel Korskirken
Magic Hotel Korskirken is a beautiful 90-room hotel in the heart of Bergen's historic district. The cozy rooms are anything but dull, and are all decorated with contemporary Scandinavian furniture and give a retro-chic vibe. A breakfast buffet is included for all guests, as well as WiFi and satellite TV. Magic Hotel Bergen features an indoor bar street that runs the entire length of the hotel, where you'll find an Italian restaurant, nightclub, and cocktail bar. The hotel is next to the fish market and within 300m of the funicular and the Bryggen wharf.
Bars and Restaurants
Bare Restaurant
Bare is an upscale restaurant in the historic district of Bergen, next to Bryggen wharf. This critically acclaimed fine-dining restaurant specializes in simple dishes made from local, fresh ingredients. Dinner is spaced out over five courses and a couple of hours; a sommelier is also available to assist you with wine pairings. The chef's delicious creations include halibut with dill & cucumber, scallops & sand cake, lobster with leeks & rye, and Jerusalem artichokes with ice cream & black currants. Make a reservation before visiting; Bare is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5PM to 10PM.
Munken Bistro
You'll find some outstanding Peruvian cuisine at Munken Bistro, located a few blocks south of the Bryggen wharf. This casual, warm restaurant has both set menus with wine pairings, and a la carte menus available. The family-run restaurant serves traditional Peruvian food with modern twists, made from local Norwegian ingredients. Menu items include ceviche, sashimi, slow-cooked goat shoulder, quinotto salad, and chia seed pudding. Munken has a small dining room so it is recommended to reserve a seat in advance. They are open Monday through Thursday from 4PM-10PM and close at 11PM on Friday & Saturday.
Bryggeloftet & Stuene
This casual restaurant is located in an old brick building in Bryggen and is a great option for bringing children as well. Bryggeloftet & Stuene features classical Scandinavian décor and has a very warm ambience. They offer a wide beer & wine selection to go with their menu of home-cooked Norwegian food. Main courses include steamed halibut with asparagus, Arctic char with cabbage and brown butter, and fillet of reindeer with mushrooms and beets. There is so much more on the menu that you'll have to check it out for yourself. They are open from 11AM to 11:30PM Monday through Saturday and 1PM to 11:30PM on Sunday.
Henrik ol & Vinstove
Henrik ol & Vinstove is a cozy bar tucked away amongst other bars and restaurants across from the national theater. Henrik ol & Vinstove has 54 beers on tap and also a large wine menu. It may be difficult to make a beer decision with that many options, but the staff really know their beer and are more than happy to help you out. The ambience is a warm modern-rustic atmosphere and the low music volume actually allows you to talk to your companions. The prices are very reasonable by Norwegian standards. Henrik ol & Vinstove is open daily from 4PM to 12:30AM.
Things to do in Bergen in January
Bergenhus Fortress
Bergen has a rich medieval history and you can see signs of it at the Bryggen wharf and nearby Bergenhus Fortress, a stone fortification dating back to the 13th century. This is one of the oldest preserved fortresses in Norway and it stands guard over Bergen harbor. The fortress offers a number of live cultural displays, guided tours, and is even a venue for operas and rock concerts. There are a few interesting museums for you to walk through, as well as a small café. The Bergenhus Trail is a one-hour walking trail with interpretive displays to teach you about life in the old city. The fortress is open every day from 6:30AM to 11:30PM.
Lille Lungegaardsvannet Lake
Lille Lungegaardsvannet is Bergen's central park, a five-acre green space surrounding a natural lake. The lake may not look natural due to its perfect octagonal shape and stone walls, but these were all additions made over the centuries to reclaim land around the larger body of water. A pleasant walking trail circumnavigates the lake, which is usually full of swans, ducks, and other birds. Small monuments dot the park and there are plentiful benches for you to stop and rest. The park is surrounded by cafes, museums, and restaurants.
Ulriken Mountain
Ulriken is one of the many mountains surrounding Bergen; this one has an altitude of 643m. A path will take hikers to the top, though in the winter this can be treacherous with slippery rocks, ice, and snow. A better option to get to the top in winter is to take the aerial tram. While on the tram you can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, fjords, and Bergen below you. Once at the top you can view the surrounding scenery through the provided telescopes and have a coffee or bite to eat at the restaurant before heading back down. The tram runs from 9AM to 9PM but closes during inclement weather. It's best to wait for a clear day before going.
Torgallmenningen Square
Torgallmenningen Square is one of Bergen's main city squares, located on the southeast corner of Bergen harbor. This is one of Bergen's most social centers and often hosts concerts and other events. Around the square you'll find the Galleriet shopping mall, a couple of cafes and bars, and the No. 13 Hotel & Restaurant. At one end of Torgallmenningen Square is the Seamen's Monument. This is an interesting monument to the Norwegian sailors from Viking times to modern day, with statues depicting sailors from all periods. Torgallmenningen Square
